Sunday, March 9, 2014

At the Times of India debate in Kolkata ...

Converse???? With hard core politicians??? That's a laugh... but I did try!
************

This appeared in Asian Age....

Happy, Happy… Women
of the World…. It’s our day!

After a really, really long time, here I am
facing yet another Women’s Day, and not
feeling cynical. Has anything changed? Not really. Which can only mean one
thing : I have . Changed, that is. Gone is the raised , skeptical eyebrow, the
scornful comment and the mocking smirk, the disillusioned air, the lofty
disdain … hell, I may even celebrate! This is the time for optimism and hope.
As women, we cannot afford to give up on ourselves. We are a month away from
Elections 2014. And the scenario is changing by the minute, as it were. There
are no givens, this time. There is nothing we can take for granted. Forget Poll
Pundits and all those predictions. The arithmetic simply does not add up, no
matter who is doing the calculations. Which is why it is important to hang on
to our common sense, observe the goings on carefully, engage in the process
with passion and commitment, and do ones bit with sincerity, keeping US and our
specific interests in sharp focus throughout.

Sure, the shifting political narrative is
leading to serious confusion in the minds of voters. More women in the Prime
Ministerial race means more to think about. There’s a fresh cast of characters and the
race has just hotted up. Mamata now says
she will support Jayalalitha as prime Minister. Hey Bhagwan! Miraculously, as
it were, we have feisty Didi on ferocious Amma’s side. Which ought to scare
opponents. Two ambitious power ladies with their loyal supporters, ganging up
against the usual suspects are bound to generate panic in political circles.
Throw in Mayawati, and the game gets hotter still. All three are formidable ,
single women who talk turkey and terrorise those who stand in their way. Mighty
male colleagues of this triumvirate are
known to shiver in their pants when the women are on a war path. Known for
their quick tempers and harsh words, these are women you don’t ever want to mess with. Will they make good
prime ministers? Big question.

Narendra Modi’s shrewd self-positioning as a no nonsense strongman,
out to crack the whip and straighten out India, is seen as a virtue by supporters.
His megalomania is also touted as a positive trait (“ Narendrabhai’s personality
is such… we need a leader who projects power”). Rahul Gandhi, on the other
hand, is displaying softer skills and channeling his inner woman convincingly.
There is a great deal of appeal in his
approach, especially for Young India and
the female voter. As of now, these are the choices in front of us. And I am not
throwing Mulayam Singh into this khichdi. Nor Arvind Kejriwal, for that matter.
Arvind on the outside, may do much more for the country’s larger interests than
Arvind on the inside, expending precious energy on aiming for the top job ( a
case of premature ejaculation).

How does any of this pan out for the women
of India? Well, there is an upside to the issue in that women count big time in
2014 and will without a doubt swing the votes in this election. We saw that
happening with Arvind in Delhi. It was women who voted out another woman (
Sheila Dixit). And women who backed Kejriwal. This, of course, was directly related
to the Nirbhaya case and Dixit’s arrogant response to it. If one can give the
benefit of the doubt to Kejriwal for that shocking comment on khaap panchayats
( Yogendra Yadav insists his own response was misquoted), it would be fair to
say that Arvind is seen as being sympathetic to women’s issues. With Modi, it
is a case of accepting his bombastic
promises, while also examining his track record ( to be fair, Gujarat has
indeed introduced several important pro-women initiatives).

These are the main political actors we have
to pick from, unfortunately. But the story beyond politics, beyond legislation,
is the more interesting one. If real, ground level change is taking place, it
is inside the heads and hearts of our women. This emphatic refusal to remain
passive onlookers and stay mum, is the driver that will eventually bring about
change in real terms. There is a quiet, female revolution underway that is
making itself evident through popular culture ( perhaps, the most sensitive
barometer to monitor attitudinal shifts). It is movies like ‘Queen’ which will
push social boundaries and act as a wake up call for a complacent society. It
is time to acknowledge what is actually going on across India (a lot!). Translated,
it is indeed leading to something positive
and inspiring for our women.

Meanwhile, I am tempted to participate in
all those Women’s Day activities I once shunned and deemed ‘meaningless’ –
awards functions, special screenings for women, discounted cocktails, mad,
giddy parties for women, by women. Why not? Lectures and seminars are one way
of reclaiming our space. But hey – what
about something jolly and frivolous, too? Women’s Day need not be a grim
reminder of all that is terrible about our lives. It can equally be a
celebration of all that is wonderful. This year, I am opting for wonderful.
Here’s to us!!!

150 comments:

Are you kidding me? Women are still treated as wretched, miserable creatures by society, men, colleagues, relatives and most of all by other women (mother-in-laws, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, nasty female colleagues...) But, since it is Women's day, lets all pretend everything is just dandy.

Shobhaa, I liked the way you stood your ground without falling for the chamchagiri of Salman Khushid that 'Shobhaa is a friend' & that kind of flattery. 'Converse' was a delight to watch with Aruna Roy giving tongue in cheek replies camouflaged in courtesy. That tollygunge club gave a thumps up for Yogendra Yadav & you 2 ladies shows that they are educated & up to date. All the 3 of you were on the spot.

Yes. Women are getting power day by day. Hope it will attain the equality in the near future. Women will have their Best Identity with Best Signs of professionalism and performance. We all can hope this and strive to bring them as we wish women's day.

If only everyday could be women's day, the day for noticing all that is wonderful and not a grim reminder of something terrible about our lives. But then again, there are always two sides. There should be!

I definitely agree with pro-women initiatives taken in Gujarat. Way to go.

Shobhaa ji, its good what you plan bringing front of youth. I read your new artical 22 march 2014, which you given for indian politics its modrn politics you said modi don't some good things in gujarath via commerce I accept. Take a example you or me we have power and money we also do better then to modi, modi what he don its not a great job, before modi in andhra pradesh mr naidu don althose things. City and commerce dovelepment. What I am going to say is modi is failur persion what he don mistick in gujarat. People never forget. He is a selfish person he's seeing personal goal. What he achive. Modi before looking dream PM live as human. And think value of life. India given so many modi in past history no bady here. And india is not dependent he's not a person bring development in india he bring voilance.

Hello All,Today I read such a lovely book.... Just have a look.....It's awesome & gives a touchy message which insist u to be good by heart..... Below is the URL.....http://pothi.com/pothi/book/ebook-king-island-independence

Spicy Hyderabad Escorts Our useful and polite receptionists are out there from 10am until late to help you to search out precisely the right lady for you. Super Hyderabad Escorts Agency, All our women love their work and can never rush you, therefore why not develop the phone now, they are wanting forward to your call!

Please select of our escorts in Austin for a complete account and biography. Our escorts are 100% true, and everything you see is everything you get. We do upgrade our escorts often therefore do always check straight back often.

My Name Aliya Roy Guys Follow Me, At this Bangalore Escorts services I need to say to I am lucky to enjoy got a portfolio filled with variety of the foremost effective beauties from not entirely Bangalore.

Simran Sharma Profile its,High Class Escorts Service in Bangalore, Bangalore Escorts has been my vision project for I constantly required forming it a radical skilled and tempting in it the juice of excellence that is linked with my personality.

A truly motivational and life changing bookThis book is really a good book which shows us right path. but i readone more book named "ONE BOOK FOR LIFE SUCCESS" which is trulymotivational and life changing . .The writer has described in PlainEnglish with lot of examples which is easy to understand...For MorePlease watch the videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biORjS8ngv0YouTube video

A truly motivational and life changing bookThis book is really a good book which shows us right path. but i readone more book named "ONE BOOK FOR LIFE SUCCESS" which is trulymotivational and life changing . .The writer has described in PlainEnglish with lot of examples which is easy to understand...For MorePlease watch the videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biORjS8ngv0

My name is Jayani Jaiswal and i am from escort Hyderabad. A guy from all around the world comes to Hyderabad as this town is the company of India. An individual who comes to Hyderabad for company gets escorts services by women escorts in Hyderabad after finishing their formal perform. I am a regional girl from Hyderabad and always available to those individuals who are looking for a wonderful and knowledgeable escort girl here in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad is a very wonderful town and the whole town is at the lender of India Sea. Environment of town is amazing and you can appreciate the town once the set get down. Hyderabad is well known for its glamorous and of course Hollywood. Hyderabad is the town that never falls and you can do fun whenever you want at nighttime in cafes or groups. You can seek the assistance of a women Escort in Hyderabad like me to create your 100 % free time- A Unforgettable Day of your Lifestyle.

Lucknow female Escort Beauties are beguiling and unique with great comical inclination, sagacity , decently prepared, and above all Fashionable… in our escort girls which have willpower to give you full satisfy you Also in Noida escorts agency these hot girls available on there

Hi Folks my name is Peehu i have natural beauty & sexy personality i’m perfect in all type escorts services angels positions therefore if you need a perfect partner to do spend excellent sexual time with Kolkata escorts then call me.http://www.peehu.in

Hello my dear people may i help you to live a highly sensual sizzling life each & every time according to you anywhere at your place. My alluring independent Kolkata escorts service are available forever only for you.http://www.maahiarora.in/

I am Komal Thakur and i m an exceptionally attractive, alluring, rich Mumbai Independent Escorts young Girl from Mumbai. I am 22 Year's old .My stature 5.5". I am a reasonable exquisite young lady with hot body 34c-26-34 . I admire the better things in life and like to look my best. I want to spruce up for any event that you may need to welcome me too.i will verify that our private time together will be stunning.

Hello DearMy self Aditi Sethi a few insights about me and what I like what I dislikeI am a restrictive independent Mumbai escorts for customers in MumbaiI am 5’6 in tallness with a delightful 34c-26-36 figure. I am 22 years old with grandly tan eyes and dull blonde hair.

Squirbiz India's largest Local business directory Website, business listing, business addresses and free all Information India's free yellow pages offers free ad posting, local business listing.http://squirbiz.com/

One Night spend with Sumona Arora I can’t forget yet, what a incredibly sexy lady at my door and her outstanding beauty was attracting me to touch her within second. She was very friendly and helpful by nature and very naughty on the bed too she is complete packages as Independent escorts in Delhi, she was happily filling my all desires as well as treating me as a truly nice girl, she supposed to me as One night Girl friend in Delhi who care me as I even can’t imagine from others. Thanks & RegardsNitin Bheja

Hey guys do you looking for a Hot and Sexy Escort in your town and you are not finding her dont woory now you can find the hottest escorts in the town visit the link belowhttp://www.passionescorts.co.in

Call Personally +91-9581213067 for batter quality and batter fun in low price, if you are interesting man then you can connect with me any time for taken fun and expand your time with special Models escorts in Hyderabad, Hyderabad escorts agency, Hyderabad escorts service and etc.

Great opportunity for everyone offered by Jaipur escorts market, Our models are very hot and sexy service offering with full confidence with you, Dating and relationship service always open, services is escorts in Jaipur, Jaipur escorts service, Jaipur escorts agency.

Dear guys We are offering live fun at this time according your demand by Live Bangalore escorts service and escorts in Bangalore to the best wishes of all client chosen this service, it’s a very fantastic service providing Bangalore escorts agency.